When novices start with sports betting, there are plenty of common pitfalls they fall into.  I wanted to create a quick guide to help them identify the mistakes and how to avoid them.  Think of this is advice from a friend who has already been through it all and lived to tell the tale.  

Chasing Losses

The Mistake

Picture this: You drop $50 on an NFL game, and your team covers the spread like it’s no big deal… except they don’t. You lose. Instead of brushing yourself off, you suddenly feel an urge to “get that money back right now.” So you throw $100 on the next game to cover the $50 loss. If that fails, you double up again. Before you know it, your bankroll’s gone, and you’re diving into the sofa cushions looking for spare change.

Why It Happens

Sports are emotional by nature. Whether it’s a last-second three-pointer or a blown lead in the 4th quarter, it’s easy to take losses personally. When frustration spikes, your rational brain might clock out for lunch. That’s when “chasing” creeps in.

How to Avoid It

  • Pause and Breathe: Recognize that one bad beat doesn’t mean you have to bet more immediately.

  • Set Limits: If you have a pre-determined bankroll, you’re less likely to make panic moves.

  • Shift Perspective: Treat each wager like a fresh puzzle. Don’t let yesterday’s heartbreak cloud today’s decision-making.

Betting Parlays Blindly

The Mistake

A new bettor sees a 6-team parlay with a potential payout that looks like a winning Powerball ticket. “Wait, I only have to wager $10 to possibly win $600+? Sign me up!” The buzz is real… until it’s not, because missing just one leg means the entire bet goes up in flames.

Why It Happens

Big multi-leg parlays are like candy to new bettors—sweet, exciting, and full of instant gratification. The problem is they’re also among the hardest bets to nail. The sportsbook’s edge compounds with each additional leg.

How to Avoid It

  • Keep Parlays Small: If you must do a parlay, limit the number of legs. A 2- or 3-team parlay is already challenging enough.

  • Mix Up Bet Types: Rather than tossing six huge favorites together, consider a mix of small, confident picks. Or better yet, mix single bets with a small parlay as “fun money.”

  • Evaluate True Odds: Each leg should stand on its merit. Don’t add “gimme” picks just because. In sports, “gimmes” can turn on you fast.

Forgetting to Line Shop

The Mistake

Imagine two stores sell the same TV. Store A has it for $800, while Store B lists it at $750. You’d pick Store B, right? But for some reason, new bettors often stick with one sportsbook for all their action, ignoring the possibility of better lines or odds elsewhere.

Why It Happens

Comfort, inertia, or simply not knowing any better. It’s easy to just install a single betting app, deposit some cash, and go. But there’s often a better line out there, especially in competitive markets.

How to Avoid It

  • Open Multiple Sportsbook Accounts: It’s not shady or disloyal; it’s just smart. Compare odds on each site before you place a bet.

  • Use Odds Trackers: Plenty of websites or apps track line movements across sportsbooks. You might find a half-point difference on a spread or slightly better moneyline odds.

  • Remember the Small Edges: Over time, consistently getting +100 instead of -105 or +3.5 instead of +3 makes a big difference in your overall profit.

Lack of a Bankroll Strategy

The Mistake

Some new bettors treat their betting funds like Monopoly money. One game, they’ll wager $200; the next, $5. There’s no rhyme or reason—just vibes and a hope that the sports gods smile upon them.

Why It Happens

Enthusiasm and impulsiveness. You might think, “Hey, I feel good about this team tonight,” without considering how much you already risked earlier in the week.

How to Avoid It

  • Define Your Bankroll: This is your total “betting account,” separate from your rent, groceries, and real life.

  • Set Units: A “unit” is a consistent percentage of your bankroll—say 1%. This ensures you never overextend on one game.

  • Track Bets: Keep a simple record of every wager. Knowing where your money goes will help you stay disciplined.

Betting with Your Heart, Not Your Head

The Mistake

You grew up rooting for the Chicago Bears. Ergo, you bet on the Bears every single Sunday—no matter if they’re missing half their offensive line or playing the reigning Super Bowl champs on the road. But hey, you love them… so how can you not bet?

Why It Happens

Fan bias. We tie our emotions to teams and players, seeing them through rose-colored glasses. It’s easy to overvalue them—or undervalue their rivals—when personal loyalty is on the line.

How to Avoid It

  • Pick Your Spots: If you insist on betting your favorite team, do so sparingly and only when you see real value.

  • Seek Outside Opinions: Read opposing viewpoints or analyses that challenge your fanhood perspective.

  • “No-Bet” Zone: Some bettors simply refuse to bet on their favorite team to avoid the heartbreak if they lose (and the double heartbreak if you lose money too).

Ignoring Small Details 

The Mistake

You place a huge bet on a basketball game without checking the injury report. Surprise: the star point guard tweaked an ankle in warmups and sat out. Suddenly, the line you bet looks awful, and you learn about the injury hours after your wallet took the hit.

Why It Happens

Sports move quickly. Injuries, team drama, weather changes, or last-minute rest days can shift a game’s outcome in ways you didn’t anticipate if you’re not paying attention.

How to Avoid It

  • Check Twitter or Team News Feeds: Yes, it can be that simple. Teams announce injuries, lineups, and roster changes—sometimes right up to tipoff.

  • Use Injury Tracker Sites: Many websites list daily updates across major leagues.

  • Wait for Confirmations: If you’re unsure about a key player’s status, consider waiting before placing the bet, or adjust your stake accordingly.

Overreliance on “Hot Tips” and “Inside Info”

The Mistake

Your cousin’s friend’s barber says he “knows a guy” who’s certain about tonight’s MLB game. You blindly follow the tip, only to realize that “insider info” was nothing more than barbershop gossip.

Why It Happens

We’re human, and secrets or insider tips feel exclusive. It’s tempting to believe you have a hidden edge. Sometimes it’s real, but often it’s hype.

How to Avoid It

  • Do Your Own Research: Treat tips as a starting point, not the gospel truth. Verify stats, form, and other angles.

  • Consider the Source: If your friend is consistently a losing bettor, do you want to follow them blindly?

  • Track Tip Results: Keep a personal log of “hot tips” to see if they pan out. Over time, you’ll see which sources (if any) are reliable.

Not Taking Breaks or Setting Time Limits

The Mistake

With sports on TV almost 24/7, it’s easy to keep betting day after day, night after night. But constant action can lead to burnout, both emotionally and financially.

Why It Happens

The FOMO (fear of missing out) is real. You see a game on, you want a piece of the action. Plus, if you’re on a losing streak, you might keep chasing that “quick fix” win.

How to Avoid It

  • Schedule Breaks: Take at least one day a week off from wagering.

  • Pre-Plan: Decide in the morning which games you’ll bet (if any), then stick to it.

  • Self-Monitor: If you notice you’re getting anxious or chasing 2 AM tennis matches in a random country, it might be time to step back.

Conclusion: Bet Smart, Not Hard

Everyone’s made at least one of these mistakes at some point—what matters is learning from them quickly. Sports betting can be a fun, potentially profitable hobby, but it’s easy to lose your way if you’re chasing yesterday’s losses, ignoring details, or falling for the lure of a ten-leg parlay.

Keep a level head, do your homework, and always remember why you started betting in the first place: the thrill of competition and the love of the game. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be miles ahead of most beginners—maybe with a healthier bankroll to show for it.